Over
winter break, five Posse Scholars from Babson College, Lafayette College and Franklin
& Marshall College embarked on the Caravan for Democracy College Student
Leadership Mission, a 10-day journey through five cities in Israel. The trip
was sponsored by the Jewish National Fund to introduce student leaders to the
political and cultural issues affecting Israel.

The
Scholars—Shabhia Akter (Lafayette Posse 10), Julian Louis Collier (Babson Posse
6), Joanne Louis (Babson Posse 7), Wakeelur Miah (Babson Posse 6) and Melissa
Serrano (F&M Posse 6)—were joined by a rabbi, tour guide, board member of the Jewish
National Fund, and 20 additional college students from across the country.

“We
visited four universities to understand the education system, spoke with
political and religious leaders, entered temples, mosques and churches,” says
Melissa. “I wanted
to understand both sides of the conflict in Israel based on my own personal
experience talking with both Palestinian and Israeli leaders.”

Regular
discussion sessions allowed the group to share their opinions, perspectives and
understanding of each day’s activities.

“I’ve
learned the Arab-Israeli conflict is much more complex than it appears to be at
first glance,” says Shabia. “We need to consider many
perspectives and be well informed before forming our judgments of people, laws
and countries.”

Posse Scholars and
their caravan peers have been working closely with Rabbi Leor Sinai to use
their collective experience to start positive conversations on their campuses about
the complexity of peace in the Middle East.